- Want more images or videos?Request additional images or videos from the seller
Pair of Tapio Wirkkala Wall Sconces

About
Details
- CreatorVenini (Manufacturer),Tapio Wirkkala (Designer)
- DimensionsHeight: 40 in. (101.6 cm)Width: 10 in. (25.4 cm)Depth: 20 in. (50.8 cm)
- Sold AsSet of 2
- StyleMid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques
- Place of Origin
- Period
- Date of Manufacturecirca 1965
- ConditionWear consistent with age and use.
- Seller LocationChicago, IL
- Reference Number
Shipping & Returns
- ShippingRates vary by destination and complexity. We recommend this shipping type based on item size, type and fragility.Ships From: Chicago, IL
- Return Policy
This item cannot be returned.
About Tapio Wirkkala (Designer)
Along with architect Alvar Aalto, the designer Tapio Wirkkala was Finland’s leading contributor to the Scandinavian interpretation of modernism in the mid-20th century. Prolific and innovative, Wirkkala excelled in a wide range of fields, including glass, furniture, porcelain, jewelry and tableware. The hallmark of his talent was an ability to impart a craft aesthetic based on natural forms — leaves, ice, bubbles, birds — to industrially produced designs.
A native of Helsinki, Wirkkala studied at the national School of Applied Arts and took up a career in graphic design. After serving in the Finnish army during World War II, he joined the glassmaking firm Iittala, an association that would continue to the end of his life. Wirkkala learned every aspect of glassmaking in keeping with his belief that an artist-designer should be involved in all stages of production. His best-known works for Iittala are vases and drinking vessels that resemble either carved ice or icicles. In 1956, Wirkkala began a long relationship with the porcelain maker Rosenthal, for whom he designed elegant table pieces, such as the Finlandia coffee service and the biomorphic Pollo vases.
House Beautiful magazine declared Wirkkala’s Leaf platter the “most beautiful object” of 1951. (The acclaim led to his brief employment stint with industrial designer Raymond Loewy in New York.) That platter was one of the first designs Wirkkala made using laminated sheets of plywood sanded to a smooth surface that resembles an abstract leaf. It would go on to become a motif in many Wirkkala furniture pieces — most notably in inlaid coffee tables for Asko — and in a sense these are the works most emblematic of his personal aesthetic. Wirkkala was a traditionalist in many ways, but he had a modernist’s practical approach, incorporating his leaf-like spirals into simple, functional objects. That is the core attraction of Wirkkala’s designs: They stand out with a striking, sculptural energy yet blend in as part of a warm and comfortable decor.

- By Frank Lloyd WrightLocated in Chicago, ILPair of Frank Lloyd Wright Coonley House wall sconces. Executed by Prairie Lights, Riverside, IL (Stamped).Category
Antique Early 1900s American Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass
- By Peter Hamburger, KnollLocated in Chicago, ILCrylicord wall lamp by Peter Hamburger for Knoll, (never used sconce), with original box.Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsMetal
$3,600 - By Paul EvansLocated in Chicago, ILPair of cast Aluminum wall lights, can be wired for electric or used with candles. Unique set.Category
Vintage 1960s American Brutalist Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsAluminum
- By Charles PfisterLocated in Chicago, ILCharles Pfister for BOYD Lighting. Set of two with solid polished marble and polished brass wall sconces. 12"pro...Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsMetal
$3,200 / set - By Warren PlatnerLocated in Chicago, ILWarren Platner Associates architects: Wall sconce. Custom for important commission. Features lift-up. Mirrored p...Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass, Steel
- By Ferro ArtLocated in Chicago, ILWall sconce by Ferro Art, Italy. Brass painted metal with sockets for 2 bulbs. Signed.Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsMetal
You May Also Like
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1970s Finnish Chandeliers and Pendants
Copper, Metal
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Blown Glass
Late 20th Century Italian Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal
The 1stDibs Promise
Learn MoreExpertly Vetted Sellers
Confidence at Checkout
Price-Match Guarantee
Exceptional Support
Buyer Protection
Insured Global Delivery